Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

One key aspect of having great style is knowing how to pull off the “High-low”, spending big bucks on the well-crafted items that will last a lifetime, and saving your money on others. One thing that I refuse to spend money on is an umbrella, because I will undoubtedly loose it. This guy is rocking a $5 street-bought umbrella…and making it look good.

I love a good grosgrain striped watch band, but sometimes you need something that suits a more rugged, understated look. DeLuca Straps, based in Sand Diego, CA, hand makes a large selection of leather, croc and rubber straps that will better serve your less preppy side. Each strap is one of a kind.

DeLuca Straps also produces accessories such as wallets, belts and camera a straps. I’m actually in the market for a stylish camera strap, and I now know where I’ll be going.

Cavalier Essentials is a branding and packaging project developed by Taylor Pemberton. The project is described as: “If Steve McQueen carried a beat-up leather duffle bag on the back of his motorcycle; what would be in it and how would the product look?”

The final result is pretty badass, definitely something I would purchase.

I bought my first Herschel bag this past weekend, and I’m very pleased so far. I’ve been toying with the idea of wearing a backpack (on occasion) for a while now, and I finally made the purchase. The secret to pulling off a backpack, in my opinion, is simplicity. If there are too many bells and whistles you’ll either look like a tech geek or a backwoods camper. Herschel does a very nice job making simple, stylish bags fit for the city of the rough terrain. Personally I’m a big fan of the Settlement Backpack and the Ravine Duffle.

Ties have become much more casual than the wide, silk ones your grandfather wore back in the day. If you choose your neck piece wisely you can wear the same one with shorts as you do with your suit. Founded by Emil and Sandy Corsillo, the brothers behind Hickoree’s Hard Goods, The Hill-Side specializes in ties, scarves and pocket squares made from rugged cotton fabrics like duck cloth, chambray, denim and waxed canvas. More Williamsburgh than Wall Street.

Landmarks & Lions, another great company coming to you from the Midwest (Minneapolis to be exact), specializes in handmade accessories and cases for laptops, tablets and phones. My personal favorite is the smartphone case with credit card pocket. Men love to stuff their pockets with useless crap, but a phone and credit card is pretty much all you need these days.

A wide variety of ties is essential for any well-rounded wardrobe. But at 80 bucks a pop…they’re probably not high on your list. Check out The Tie Bar which has a vast selection of standard, skinny, wool, knit and silk ties…all priced at $15. I especially like the wool skinny options.

All is lost when you pull your laptop from your Jack Spade or Billykirk brief and it’s encased in something made from a combination of nylon and silicone. Ditch the techy laptop sleeve for something a little softer and a hell of a lot cooler. This 100% Merino wool sleeve from Hamburg based Pack & Smooch is available in 13″ and 15″…and it’s just about perfect.

The fact that some men purchase their grooming products three aisles away from their produce disturbs me a little. Maybe some guys just don’t know where to find the good stuff…which is OK, because The Motley is here to help. The Motley, an online men’s grooming retailer dedicated to providing the best products from independent producers, recently launched with a nice selection of products from brands like Billy Jealousy, Urth and LS&B.

In addition to their quality selection of products, they’ve also produced a new video series called “Study Series”, which takes an informative look at cool brands and the people behind them. Their first video features Cremo Cream, a highly concentrated, super-lubricating (stay focused) formula that provides a close and comfortable shave.

The good folks over at The Motley were also kind enough to provide The Dapper Dude readers with a generous promotion. Head over to The Motley now and enter “dapperdude” as the promo code at check-out to receive a free tube of Cremo Cream with a purchase of any amount.

Hickoree’s Hard Goods, the online “general store” featuring brands like Field Notes and The Hill-Side recently set up shop in an old bank vault inside the J.Crew Men’s Shop on Madison Ave. in New York. The founders, brothers Emil and Sandy Corsillo, were recently featured on LXTV.

I almost never wear socks in the summertime (not ones that are visible anyway). Summer, however, is behind us, and although we’re experiencing some unseasonably warm weather on the east coast…it’s officially sock weather. This doesn’t mean it’s time to break out the white tube socks though. Think of your socks like a tie, an opportunity to add little punch and personality to your look. Paul Smith is always a good choice.